Systematic Theology, Wayne Gruden

Have we lost the fervor the early church had?

https://youtu.be/pPo4wuQolTQ Jordan Feliz Jesus Is Coming Back

The book of Acts tells their story from the beginning. They heard Peter’s message and repented. Acts 2:37-47

Chapter 2 verse 41 says, “41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized, and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayers.47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

Read Acts 4:32-35.

“Now a large group of those who believed were of one heart and mind and no one said that any of his possessions was his own.”

Sadly that’s not exactly like what we see in today’s churches. It seems that it is all about me and I want it all now for me.

That’s not holy fervor. It isn’t longing for Jesus’ return. Fervor comes from a Latin root word “Fervēre meaning “to boil”

The definition of fervent means:

• to exhibit particular enthusiasm, zeal, conviction, persistence, or belief.
• have or show emotional warmth, fervor, or passion.
• to glow, burn, or be very hot.

Do I qualify?

Does Jesus look at me and say Freda is my servant who longs to see me?

Titus 2:11-14 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Grace teaches us that denying ungodliness, worldly passions, and live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age. Grace makes people different. Be different from the world?

We are different because we are longing for His appearance. We have an eager expectation. Grace gives us a standard of holiness that changes our life.

How different are you and I from the world?

How much time do we spend getting to know God’s Word?

Isn’t that how He reveals Himself to us?

When we see Him, will we see Him as He is? Aren’t we be like Him?

Fervor! Holy Fervor! Consider it today.

 

Freda Reynolds